The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has threatened to take legal action against telecom giant Airtel Nigeria over what it describes as “ambush marketing” of the Super Eagles, currently competing at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a letter sent to Airtel by its solicitors, Festus Keyamo Chambers, the NFF raised concerns about an Instagram post on Airtel Nigeria’s verified account.
The post featured live images of four Super Eagles players alongside the NFF’s trademarked logo and Airtel’s logo in a single frame, accompanied by the phrases “We are with you, Eagles!” and “#FeelTheConnection.”
The NFF argued that the post gave the false impression of an official partnership between the football body and the telecom company.
The letter stated: “Your organization has thereby engaged in passing off, as the said publication is a misleading advertisement that suggests the association of your organisation with the NFF and its affiliates.
”Our client holds the view that this publication was made maliciously…
”The purpose of the publication was to destroy our client’s relationship with her partners and sponsors thereby depriving our client of revenue while exploiting the goodwill of the NFF brand and the success of the Super Eagles to give your business exposure.”
On behalf of the NFF, the solicitors demanded: Immediate removal of the offending Instagram post and all similar content from Airtel’s social media platforms.
A cessation of any future publication suggesting a link between Airtel and the NFF.
Payment of N1 billion as compensation for loss of revenue and damage to reputation.
The dispute highlighted the growing tension between corporate brands and sports federations over sponsorship rights and the use of high-profile sporting events for marketing purposes.
